Reference no: EM13865351

Aerodynamics of bobsleigh

Aerodynamics plays an important rule in high-speed sports. This is especially true for bobsleigh and it experiences the average speed of around 130 km/h.

The position of crew ant their head positions are need to be streamlined in order to reduce the aerodynamic drag.

Objectives:

• Understanding the aerodynamic behavior of the bobsled and the crews.
• Determine the drag reduction methodology.
• Optimise the crew positions for minimizing the drag.

Plan:

The research will be carried out experimentally using RMIT industrial wind tunnel. However, attempts will be made to understand the aerodynamics behavior by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling.

A scale model of crews will be designed and manufactured. The model bobsleighs and crews will be tested in the wind tunnel.

The test will be comprised of:

• Speeds (40 km/h to 130 km/h) with increment of 10 km/h (to understand the Reynolds number behavior).
• Crosswind effects (yaw angles) plus and minus 15 degree with increment of 5 degrees.
• Flow visualisation using smoke and wool taft.
• CAD model development and CFD modeling.

Aerodynamics of bobsleigh

Introduction/background

• Explains the research problem and its context
• Explains importance of the problem (Why does it matter?) Gives the background literature and critics it
• Shows gap in knowledge (Why is more information needed, thus explains reasons for the work?)

Objectives and Scope

• Explains goals for study (what you plan to do)
• Explains scope (limitations of the research - what you plan to do and what not to do)